The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, commemorated ‘World Mental Health Day’ on 10th October 2019. The theme for this year revolved around ‘Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention’, spotlighting a crucial issue of global health concern. With the ultimate goal being the establishment of strategies for effective suicide prevention and promotion of mental health, various activities were carried out throughout the week by the department’s national institutes.
World Mental Health Day Theme: A Focus on ‘Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention’
Each year, World Mental Health Day carries a theme that highlights a particular area of mental health. In 2019, the chosen theme was ‘Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention’. The theme signifies the importance of suicide prevention and reinforces that suicide can indeed be prevented through effective strategies. According to the World Health Organization, an alarming number of over 800,000 individuals succumb to suicide annually, making it the leading cause of death among the age group of 15-29.
The Prevalence of Mental Disorders in India
Based on the National Mental Health Survey of India from 2016, it was concluded that mental disorders had a prevalence of 7.3% among 13-17-year-olds. These figures underline the necessity for early detection and intervention to prevent further deterioration of mental health conditions among the youth. The DEPwD has emphasized the identification of early signs as a crucial step towards rehabilitation and the reintegration of successfully cured individuals into mainstream society.
| Age Group | Prevalence of Mental Disorders |
|---|---|
| 13-17 years old | 7.3% |
An Active Role of Various Stakeholders in Mental Health
Mental health is a public health issue that demands the collective effort of various stakeholders. These include scientific and professional organizations, mental health user organizations, universities, national health authorities, media, and more. Each plays a pivotal role in promoting mental health and devising strategies for preventing suicide.
World Mental Health Day: A Brief Overview
World Mental Health Day is an initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health. This international membership organization has been working since 1948 to advance awareness of mental health and the prevention of mental disorders globally. By commemorating this day, the organization strives to raise global awareness about mental health, emphasizing the importance of its promotion and the need for effective strategies for suicide prevention.
